The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 160

Olivia

The following morning dawned bright and clear. I was up early, reviewing my notes on the Thompson Hotels project and mentally preparing for our meeting with Andrew Thompson.

Alexander had arranged for us to meet at The Terraces, an exclusive restaurant in Beverly Hills known for its impeccable service and discretion.

I carefully selected a navy blue dress that was professional yet flattering. I paired it with modest heels and subtle jewelry, as I wanted to look poised and confident.

“Ready?” Alexander asked, appearing in the doorway of our bedroom. He looked impeccable in a charcoal suit that emphasized his broad shoulders.

I nodded, smoothing down my dress one last time.

Alexander’s eyes softened as he approached me. “You look beautiful. And more importantly, you know this project better than anyone. Thompson would be a fool to go with any other proposal.”

His confidence in me was reassuring. “Thanks. Let’s go show him that.”

The drive to The Terraces was quiet, and both of us were lost in our thoughts. The morning traffic moved surprisingly well, and we arrived at the restaurant with time to spare.

The Terraces lived up to its reputation. Lush greenery surrounded elegant outdoor seating areas, while the interior featured soaring ceilings and tasteful artwork. A host immediately recognized Alexander and led us to a private dining area with a view of the gardens.

“Mr. Carter,” Andrew Thompson rose from his seat as we approached, extending his hand. “Punctual as always.”

“Mr. Thompson,” Alexander greeted him with a firm handshake. “Thank you for meeting with us on such short notice.”

Andrew turned to me with a warm smile. “Mrs. Carter, lovely to see you again.”

immediately appeared to take our drink orders. Andrew and Alexander

began once the server had departed, “I was surprised to receive your call yesterday. I thought our discussions with

professionally pleasant but serious. “That’s precisely why I wanted to speak with you. We understand there’s been a counteroffer

rose slightly. “News travels fast in

business to stay informed,” Alexander replied smoothly. “Especially when it concerns a client we

the opportunity to study Andrew’s expression. He seemed

received

the tension building in my shoulders. “I wasn’t

Andrew admitted. “But she’s

almost imperceptibly.

alternative proposal?” I asked, keeping my tone curious rather than defensive. “I

Carter. Your proposal was exceptional. But as a businessman, I’d be remiss not to consider all options

course,” I nodded. “Competitive analysis is

out,” Alexander interjected, his voice calm but authoritative, “that there are certain legal considerations when changing direction after a project has been

“We haven’t transferred the

interest of transparency, I

shooter. That’s

watch before looking up with a slightly apologetic expression. “Actually, I should mention that Penelope will be joining us shortly. I thought it might be productive for all parties to discuss their visions directly. I

was clearly

smoothly. “In fact, I welcome the

the moment to compose myself. The idea of meeting Alexander’s ex–fiancée while defending my work wasn’t how I’d planned to spend my morning, but I refused to show

Hotels rebrand proposal is innovative while respecting the brand’s heritage.

nodded. “Indeed, it is. Which is why I find myself in a curious

A woman was being escorted to our table by the maitre d‘, and even from a distance, I could

shoulders. She wore a cream–colored designer suit and stilettos that added several inches to her already impressive